Spray foam insulation is similar to traditional insulation systems in several areas. For instance:

	Spray foam insulation is installed at the same point in the construction cycle as other types of insulation, after the rough plumbing, electrical wiring, and heating and air conditioning ducts have been installed, but before the interior walls are completed in new construction.
	Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) insulation has specific building-code approval. Building codes provide for the use of spray polyurethane insulation in the Foam Plastic section. This section of the code also describes the use of thermal barriers.

How is SPF insulation different from other commercial insulation systems?

	Though the installed cost of spray polyurethane is somewhat higher than glass fiber batts or blown-in cellulose, the higher initial cost is partially offset because your building's heating and air conditioning equipment can be smaller and you can harvest space that would otherwise be blocked out as useless. The result? You will save in your heating fuel and electric bills and have more room for bonus rooms and special storage. Studies suggest that buildings insulated with spray polyurethane use 20 to 40 percent less energy than those insulated with conventional insulation. Your savings may be greater or less depending on your building's appliances, building site, number and size of windows, etc.
	SPF insulation systems will not deteriorate over time, as some other insulation systems might. We've looked at 20-year old spray foam projects and we have not observed any signs of deterioration. We expect the NCFI spray polyurethane insulation system to insulate and seal your building for the life of the structure.
	Some spray foam insulation systems are rigid and structural, adding strength to your walls. Fiberglass batts won’t. Your walls will be more resistant to winds and you’ll notice less creaking and shaking when doors are slammed. See our report on Wall Strength for more information.